Fluorescent lamp holder assembly

ABSTRACT

A fluorescent lamp holder assembly having two oppositely opposed socket members, one socket member being rigidly affixed, the other socket member being resilient. Both members are designed so that insertion of a fluorescent lamp is possible without twisting or bending the lamp. Removal of the lamp is also made substantially less difficult.

United States Patent Jayne et al.

[4 1 Oct. 24, 1972 [54] FLUORESCENT LAMP HOLDER ASSEMBLY 721 Inventors: Max L. Jayne; Charles A. Williams,

both of Warren, Pa.

[73] Assignee: Sy'lvania Electric Products Inc.

[22] Filed: June 18,1970

{21] Appl. No.: 47,203

52 use. ..339/53, 339/14411 [51] Int. Cl. ..H01r 33/08 [58] Field of Search ..339/50-57, 144, 339/145 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,116,098 12/1963 Kukla ..339/56 2,283,454 5/1942 Osterloo ..339/54 2,729,799 1/1956 Pistey ..339/52 R 2,136,246 11/1938 Helmbright ..339/57 X FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 514,259 11/1930 Germany ..339/57 Primary Examiner-Marvin A. Champion Assistant Examiner-Terrell P. Leurs Attorney-Norman J. OMalley, Donald R. Castle and William H. McNeill [571 ABSTRACT A fluorescent lamp holder assembly having two oppositely opposed socket members, one socket member being rigidly affixed, the other socket member being resilient. Both members are designed so that insertion of a fluorescent lamp is possible without twisting or bending the lamp. Removal of the lamp is also made substantially less difiicult.

10 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures mimcnnm 24 m2 SHEET 1 [IF 3 PATENTEDUBT 24 m2 SHEET 2 [IF 3 PATENTED I97? 3.701, 081

sum 3 [IF 3 IN VEN TORS MAX L- E CHAfiLEJS A. LLIA ATTORNEY 1 FLUORESCENT LAMP HOLDER ASSEIVIBLY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to lampholders, and more particularly, to movable lampholders for gaseous discharge lamps of the fluorescent type.

Movable lampholders, particularly those for fluorescent lamps, are not novel. In the past, several types of resilient lampholders having a body member employing either singular or a plurality of spring means located within or about the body member have been used. Electrical contacts were located within the body,

and when lateral pressure was exerted against it by the spring meansacting usually against a stationary base member, contacts within the body would mate with corresponding contacts, located within the terminal ends of the lamp. However, lampholders of this variety have called for either a twisting or an angular insertion of the lamp in order that proper connection can be accomplished. Movement of this nature could, and often did, result in both excessive wear and damage to both the lampholder and the fluorescent lamp. Oftentimes, due to this twisting, an improper connection would occur, which greatly reduced the operating life of the lamp.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION lampholder for fluorescent lamps which would allow direct vertical insertion of such lamps, thereby reducing to a minimum the space necessary between these lamps when positioned in a parallel arrangement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view of the lampholder assembly of this invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the socket of this invention;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the other side of the socket shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view showing the position of the lampholder assembly of this invention prior to insertion of a fluorescent lamp;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view showing the lampholder of this invention after insertion of the fluorescent lamp has been completed;

FIG. 6 is a partial side view of the position of the socket of this invention as insertion of the fluorescent lamp is partly completed;

FIG. 7 is a partial side view of the socket of this invention showing an additional method of retaining the spring against the backcover;

FIG. 8 is an exploded isometric view of another embodiment of a socket of this invention;

FIG. 9 is an elevational view of the socket of FIG. 8; and

FIG. 10 is an isometric view showing another embodiment of the tenninal end of a fluorescent lamp of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT For a better understanding of the present invention, together with further and other objects, advantages and capabilities thereof, reference is made to the following specification and appended claims in connection with the aforedescribed drawings.

Referring first to FIG. 1, there are shown the components which comprise the fluorescent lighting assembly 11. The assembly consists of a fluorescent lamp 13, a first socket member 15, a second socket member 17 and a base member 19 having first and second endoriented upstanding supports 43 and 43 respectively. Fluorescent lamp 13 consists of a tubular glass envelope 21 with boxlike terminal ends 23 and 23' (not shown). Each of the terminal ends has two funnelshaped electrical contact receiving areas 25.

First socket member 15 consists of an insulating body 27, a pair of pliable metallic contacts 29, and a backcover 31. Pliable contacts 29 consist of a right contact member 33 and left contact member 35. Each of these contact members is shown in position just prior to insertion into the insulating body 27. After insertion has been completed, the backcover is attached to the insulating body. Insulating body 27 has a recessed area 37 which backcover 31 is fitted snugly into. Screw 39 aligns with opening 41 and provides the necessary means for maintaining the backcover against the insulating body by mating with an aperture (not shown) located within the insulating body 27. After the backcover 31 has been firmly attached, the entire assembly is affixed to a first end-oriented upstanding support 43 of base member 19. Although other methods are possible, the method shown for affixing this assembly consists of screws 45 which align with lower openings 47 and upper opening 48 in the insulating body 27 and are fitted into corresponding threaded openings 49 in the first end-oriented upstanding support 43 of the base member 19.

Second socket member 17 consists of an insulating body 27, a pair of pliable metallic contacts 29', a backcover 31', and resilient means 51. As can be seen by the drawings, the insulating bodies 27 and 27', the pliable metallic contacts 29 and 29', and the backcovers 31 and 31' of the first and second socket members 15 and 17 respectively, are similar and can be interchanged to facilitate ease of design. Pliable metallic contacts 29', shown in detail in this portion of the Figure, consist of right contact member 33 and left contact member 35' which are similar in construction to corresponding contact members 33 and 35 of pliable metallic contacts 29 of first socket member 15 and are positioned within insulating body 27 in similar manner to that in which corresponding members 33 and 35 are located within insulating body 27. A better description of how these contacts are constructed as well as their respective positions within the insulating body will be given in FIG. 2.

Resilient means 51, as shown in the drawing, consists of both a helical spring 53 and a heat-resistant elastic material 55. The elastic material 55 is provided with an representing the resilient means 51, it is possible to use only one of these members to accomplish the desired purpose of the invention. It is also possible to useother resilient means, such as a plurality of smaller helical springs located at strategic positions on the exterior side 32 of the backcover 31' or a plurality of smaller elastic'material members, also strategically located on side 32. Backcover 31' is held against insulating body 27 after pliable contacts 29 are inserted into the body 27' by a screw 39 in much the same manner as described for first socket member 15. Aperture 63 of insulating body 27', into which the screw 39' is driven, is better shown in this particular portion of the Figure. Once the pliable contacts 29' are inserted into the insulating body 27', backcover 31 is attached and. the helical spring 53 affixed thereto. This assembled member is connected to the second end-oriented upstanding support 43'. This connection is accomplished by aligning compressive pins 65 with lower openings 47' and upper opening 48 in the insulating body 27' with corresponding openings 49' in the second upstanding support 43. One of the compressive pins will align within an opening 67 in backcover 31 before mating with the corresponding opening in the second upstanding support. In the event that the elastic material 55 is also to be used, corresponding apertures 69 are provided so that the compressive pins 65 will align with them also, thus providing a means by which the elastic material is held firmly in position during final assembly and insertion and removal of the fluorescent lamp. Each of the compressive pins 65 has extended end portions 71 which protrude beyond the openings 49' of the upstanding support, once alignment has been accomplished. A hammer-like tool (not shown) strikes this extended end portion, thus causing it to crimp over the aperture 49' and maintains the entire second socket member 17 against the second upstanding support 43. An additional view showing compressive pins 65 as the lamp is partly inserted is shown in FIG. 6.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a rear view of one of the insulating bodies. Both insulating bodies 27 and 27' are similar in construction, as well as the pliable metallic contacts 29 and 29' and the backcovers 31 and 31 For reasons of clarity however, our particular reference will be made toward insulating body 27' and its respective components. The rear of the insulating body will be further referred to as that portion into which the pliable contacts are inserted. The front of the insulating body is that portion which receives the fluorescent lamp. In FIG. 2 the established position of the pliable metallic contacts 29' after insertion into the insulating body has been completed is shown. Right metallic contact member 33 has an indented upper contact portion 73 which provides contact with electrical lead 77, which has been inserted into the insulating body through a foraminous upper portion 81. The lead 77, upon insertion, tends to force the indented upper contact portion downward. However, because of its curved construction, the upper position bends back, thereby creating a sandwiching force with the interior wall member 79'against the lead, which is sufficient to maintain the lead within the socket. The indented upper portion 75 of the left metallic contact member 35' maintains electrical lead 77' against interior wall member 79 in the same manner. Right metallic contact member 33 has an elongated middle section 83' which curves into a lower contacting portion 85 which in turn bends into vertical slot 90. This bent-in tab 87 has a convex-shaped contacting surface 89', which is better shown in FIG. 1. This contacting surface extends through slot 90 and protrudes abovethe interior boundary of the slot into therecessed portion 91' (also better shown in FIG. I), which receives the terminal end of the lamp. Left contact member 35' is aligned within insulating body 27 in much the same manner as right contact 33' with the exception that it has a substantially shorter midd'lesection 93'. Therefore, when lower contact portion 95 is bent into verti cal slot 100, bent-in tab 97 which also has a convexshaped contacting surface 99 aligns with tab 87' along axis A-A to form two contacting areas in a substantially vertical relationship within the recessed portion 91'. Also shown in FIG. 2 is the position of the fluorescent lamp 13 once insertion of the lamps terminal end within the socket has been completed.

In FIG. 3 is shown the front view of the socket of FIG. 2. Right and left contact members 33 and 35' respectively are shown hidden, with the exception of the convex shaped contacting surfaces 89' and 99',

which are shown protruding into the recessed portion 91. These contacting surfaces are in their established positions within the socket 17 and will matewith corresponding substantially vertical positioned recessed funnel-shaped contact receiving areas 25 of the boxlike terminal end 23 of the fluorescent lamp 13 (shown in FIG. 1) by inserting and engaging thesereceiving areas. The boxlike terminal end 23 is guided into the recessed portion 91 by an angled guide slot 101, having inwardly directed walls 103 and 105 to also assist in proper alignment.

It can also be seen in FIG. 3 that lower openings 47' are vertically elongated in shape. During initial contact with the lamps terminal end 23, a small amount of tilting of the insulating body 27 will occur.' This elongated design will allow the lower portion of the insulating body to move over the rigidly affixed compressive pins 65 during this initial tilting without creating unnecessary stress on the pins.

In FIG. 4 is shown both socket members 15 and 17 of this invention, as well as a fluorescent lamp 13, prior to insertion into the lampholder assembly. Second socket member 17 is shown partially in section in this Figure as well as in FIG. 5 which has lamp 13 inserted to show the helical spring 53 and the compressive pins 65 before and after insertion. In FIG. 4 also is shown (hidden) angled guide slot 101 which helps guide box-like terminal end 23 of the fluorescent lamp 13 into the socket. Convex-shaped contacting surfaces 89' and 99' which mate respectively with funnel-shaped electrical contact receiving areas 25 are shown protruding into recessed portion 91 In FIG. 4, second socket member 17 is shown fully extended. Elastic material 55, which encompasses helical spring 53 is also shown. Lamp insertion, shown in FIG. 5, now causes second socket member 17 to be displaced to the left. In doing so, spring 53 and elastic material 55 are both compressed. Compressing pins 65 have maintained their original positions and allowed the insulating body 27' to slide over them.

In FIG. 6 is shown a partial section view of insulating body 27, elastic material 55, backcover 31', and their relative positions compared to that of compressive pin 65 during lamp insertion. It should be understood that at this position, the fluorescent lamp is only partially inserted. Lower opening 47', and aperture 69, having been aligned by insertion of pin 65, .now provide a means by which insulating body 27' can be compressed, or moved to the left, as is the case here. Extended end portion 71 of compressive pin 65 is shown as it appears after having been crimped during assembling procedures.

FIG. 7 shows the helical spring 53, surrounded by the elastic material 55, and sandwiched between backcover 31' and insulating body 27'. Retaining plug 59 can be seen, as well as its conical-shaped head 61. Another conical shaped head 61 can partially be seen behind the helical spring. It is the purpose of this conical head to assist in maintaining the spring in its established relationship within the socket member. By forming a triad with another conical head (not shown) these plugs create an established perimeter in which the large coil of the spring is retained.

Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a socket member 107 consisting of an insulating body 109, two pliable metallic contacts 110, and a backcover 111. Insulating body 109 has a foraminous upper portion 113 similar to that of insulating bodies 27 and 27' of FIG. 1. Pliable metallic contacts 110, unlikethe contacts of sockets and 17, are similar in construction and consist of a right contact member 115 and left contact member 117.Because both are similar it will only be necessary to describe one, in this case 117. Left contact member 117 has an upper indented portion 119, a middle section 121 and a partially circular lower contacting portion 123. Corresponding portions on right contact member 115 are denoted with similar numerals, each having a prime. Upper indented portion 119 is fitted into recessed area 125 of the insulating body 109, while lower contacting portion 123 is inserted into slot 127 of terminal end contacting area 131, shown in FIG. 9. The boundaries of this contacting area are determined by hollow cylindrical member 129. Contacting edge 128 of the left contact member 117 partially protrudes into contacting area 131. In like manner right contact 115 is inserted into corresponding areas of the insulating body 109. Its contacting edge 128' also partially protrudes into contacting area 131'. Both contacting areas 131 and 131' have inwardly directed walls 133 and 135 and 133' and 135', respectively. To further assist in guiding a lamp into these contacting areas, an angled guide slot 137 is provided similar to that of the previously described sockets. This particular type of socket is primarily designed to accept a fluorescent lamp 139 of the type partly shown in FIG. 10. The lamp's terminal end 141 consists of two cylindrical shaped electrical contacting members 143 and 143'. Each of these contacting members has a funnelshaped electrical contacting receiving area 145 and 145' located therein. It is the purpose of these electrical contacting receiving areas to mate with corresponding edges such as 128 and 128' shown in FIG. 9, once insertion of the lamp into the socket is completed.

It should be noted that many of the components which comprise the lampholder assembly are similar in both design and function. It can, therefore, be seen that many of these components can be made identical to facilitate reduction of manufacturing costs and ease of interchangeability within the assembly.

While there have been shown and described what are presently considered to be the preferred embodiments of this invention, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

We claim:

1. A fluorescent lamp holder assembly having a base member with end-oriented upstanding supports and means for accommodating a fluorescent lamp, said means comprising:

a first socket member rigidly affixed to a first of said end-oriented upstanding supports and having an insulating body, said insulating body having a recessed portion formed therein for accepting a first terminal end of said fluorescent lamp and an angled guide slot formed therein for guiding said first terminal end into said recessed portion, a plurality of pliable metallic contacts retained within said insulating body, and a backcover-attached to said insulating body; and a second socket member positioned on a second of said end-oriented upstanding supports in opposing relationship to said first socket member and having an insulating body, said insulating body having a recessed portion formed therein for accepting a second terminal end of said fluorescent lamp, an angled guide slot formed therein for guiding said second terminal end into said recessed portion, and at least two elongated openings formed within-the lower portion of said insulating body, each of said elongated openings adapted for moving over a compressive pin during insertion of said terminal end of said lamp into said recessed portion, each of said compressive pins affixed at one end to said second endoriented upstanding support, thereby providing a means whereby said insulating body may be tilted to provide ease of insertion and removal of said lamp; a plurality of pliable metallic contacts retained within said insulating body, a backcover attached to said insulating body, and resilient means positioned between said backcover and said second end-oriented upstanding support of said base member.

2. The fluorescent lamp holder assembly according to claim 1 in which said resilient means positioned between said backcover and said second end-oriented upstanding support of said base member comprises at least one helical wound spring.

3. The fluorescent lamp holder assembly according to claim 1 in which said resilient means positioned between said backcover and said second end-oriented upstanding support of said base member comprises a heat resistant elastic material.

4. The fluorescent lamp holder assembly according to claim 1 in which said resilient means positioned between said backcover and said second end-oriented upstanding support of said base member comprises at least one helical wound spring and a heat resistant elastic material.

5. In combination, a fluorescent lamp having a boxlike terminal end having a plurality of recessed contact receiving areas formed therein and a socket for said fluorescent lamp, said socket comprising: an insulating body having a recessed portion therein for receiving said terminal end of said lamp, an angled guide slot formed therein for guiding said terminal end of said lamp into said recessed portion, and a foraminous upper portion for receiving electrical wire leads; pliable metallic contacts retained within said insulating body, each of said contacts having lower contacting portions having convex shaped contacting surfaces formed thereon, each of said convex shaped contacting surfaces protruding into said recessed portion of said insulating body to provide electrical contact with said lamp terminal end by inserting into and engaging a corresponding one of said recessed receiving areas formed within said terminal end, and indented upper contact portions for providing electrical contact with said electrical leads; and a backcover attached to said insulating body.

6. The invention according to claim 5 in which said electrical wire leads are established within said foraminous upper portion of said insulating body by a sandwiching means exerted by said indented upper contact portions of said metallic contacts against the,

interior walls of said insulating body.

7. A socket for a fluorescent lamp comprising: an insulating body having a recessed portion therein for receiving the terminal end of a lamp, an angled guide slot formed therein for guiding said terminal end of said lamp into said recessed portion, a foraminous upper portion for receiving electrical wire leads; and at least two elongatedopenings formed within the lower portion of said insulating body, each of said elongated openings adapted for moving over a compressive pin during insertion of said terminal end of said lamp into said recessed portion, each of said compressive pins affixed at one end to an end-oriented upstanding support located externally of said socket, thereby providing means whereby said insulating body may be tilted to provide ease of insertion and removal of said lamp; pliable metallic contacts retained within said insulating body having lower contacting portions having convex shaped contacting surfaces formed thereon, said convex shaped contacting surfaces adapted for protruding into said recessed portion ofsaid insulating body for the purpose of providing electrical contact with said lamp terminal end and indented upper contact portions for providing electrical contact with said electrical leads; a backcover attached to said insulating body; and a resilient means affixed to the exterior of said backcover.

8. A fluorescent lighting assembly having a fluorescent lamp comprising: an elongated tubular glass envelope with boxlike terminal ends, each of said terminal ends having at least two funnel-shaped electrical contact receiving areas located therein; a base member with end-oriented upstanding supports; and means for accommodating said fluorescent lamp, said means comprising:

a first socket member rigidly affixed to a first of said end-oriented upstanding supports, said first socket member having an insulating body having a recessed portion formed therein for receiving one of said boxlike terminal ends of said lamp, a plurality of pliable metallic contacts retained within said insulating body, each of said contacts having lower contacting portions having convex shaped contacting surfaces formed thereon, said convex shaped contacting surfaces adapted for protruding into said recessed portion of said insulating body, and for mating with said funnel-shaped electrical contact receiving areas located within one of said terminal ends of said lamp, and a backcover attached to said insulating body; and

a second socket member positioned on a second of said end-oriented upstanding supports in opposing relationship to said first socket member, said second socket member having an insulating body having a recessed portion formed therein and at least two elongated openings formed within the lower portion of said insulating body, each of said elongated openings adapted for moving over a compressive pin during insertion of said terminal end of said lamp into said recessed portion, each of said compressive pins affixed at one end to an endoriented upstanding support located externally of said socket, thereby providing means whereby said insulating body may be tilted to provide ease of insertion and removal of said lamp, a plurality of pliable metallic contacts retained within said insulating body, each of said contacts having lower contacting portions having'convex shaped contacting surfaces formed thereon, said convex shaped contacting surfaces adapted for protruding into said recessed portion of said insulating body and for mating with said funnel-shaped electrical contact receiving areas located within one of said terminal ends of said lamp, a backcover attached to said insulating body, and resilient means positioned between said backcover and said second endoriented upstanding support of said base member.

9. The fluorescent lighting assembly according to claim 8 in which said resilient means positioned between said backcover and said second end-oriented upstanding support of said base member comprises a heat resistant elastic material.

10. The fluorescent lighting assembly according to claim 8 in which said resilient means positioned between said backcover and said second end-oriented upstanding support of said base member comprises at least one helical wound spring.

as a:

Po-ww UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRELTION Patent No. r 3,701,081 Dated October 24, 1972 Inventor-(s) Max Jayne and Charles A. Williams It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

r Q 4 I Column 4, Line 43, please insert between the words "inserting and" the word into Signed, and sealed this 1st day of May 1973.

(STEAL) Attest:

EDE IARD M. FLETCHER, JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK. Attesting' Officer Commissioner of Patents 

1. A fluorescent lamp holder assembly having a base member with end-oriented upstanding supports and means for accommodating a fluorescent lamp, said means comprising: a first socket member rigidly affixed to a first of said endoriented upstanding supports and having an insulating body, said insulating body having a recessed portion formed therein for accepting a first terminal end of said fluorescent lamp and an angled guide slot formed therein for guiding said first terminal end into said recessed portion, a plurality of pliable metallic contacts retained within said insulating body, and a backcover attached to said insulating body; and a second socket member positioned on a second of said end-oriented upstanding supports in opposing relationship to said first socket member and having an insulating body, said insulating body having a recessed portion formed therein for accepting a second terminal end of said fluorescent lamp, an angled guide slot formed therein for guiding said second terminal end into said recessed portion, and at least two elongated openings formed within the lower portion of said insulating body, each of said elongated openings adapted for mOving over a compressive pin during insertion of said terminal end of said lamp into said recessed portion, each of said compressive pins affixed at one end to said second end-oriented upstanding support, thereby providing a means whereby said insulating body may be tilted to provide ease of insertion and removal of said lamp; a plurality of pliable metallic contacts retained within said insulating body, a backcover attached to said insulating body, and resilient means positioned between said backcover and said second endoriented upstanding support of said base member.
 2. The fluorescent lamp holder assembly according to claim 1 in which said resilient means positioned between said backcover and said second end-oriented upstanding support of said base member comprises at least one helical wound spring.
 3. The fluorescent lamp holder assembly according to claim 1 in which said resilient means positioned between said backcover and said second end-oriented upstanding support of said base member comprises a heat resistant elastic material.
 4. The fluorescent lamp holder assembly according to claim 1 in which said resilient means positioned between said backcover and said second end-oriented upstanding support of said base member comprises at least one helical wound spring and a heat resistant elastic material.
 5. In combination, a fluorescent lamp having a boxlike terminal end having a plurality of recessed contact receiving areas formed therein and a socket for said fluorescent lamp, said socket comprising: an insulating body having a recessed portion therein for receiving said terminal end of said lamp, an angled guide slot formed therein for guiding said terminal end of said lamp into said recessed portion, and a foraminous upper portion for receiving electrical wire leads; pliable metallic contacts retained within said insulating body, each of said contacts having lower contacting portions having convex shaped contacting surfaces formed thereon, each of said convex shaped contacting surfaces protruding into said recessed portion of said insulating body to provide electrical contact with said lamp terminal end by inserting into and engaging a corresponding one of said recessed receiving areas formed within said terminal end, and indented upper contact portions for providing electrical contact with said electrical leads; and a backcover attached to said insulating body.
 6. The invention according to claim 5 in which said electrical wire leads are established within said foraminous upper portion of said insulating body by a sandwiching means exerted by said indented upper contact portions of said metallic contacts against the interior walls of said insulating body.
 7. A socket for a fluorescent lamp comprising: an insulating body having a recessed portion therein for receiving the terminal end of a lamp, an angled guide slot formed therein for guiding said terminal end of said lamp into said recessed portion, a foraminous upper portion for receiving electrical wire leads; and at least two elongated openings formed within the lower portion of said insulating body, each of said elongated openings adapted for moving over a compressive pin during insertion of said terminal end of said lamp into said recessed portion, each of said compressive pins affixed at one end to an end-oriented upstanding support located externally of said socket, thereby providing means whereby said insulating body may be tilted to provide ease of insertion and removal of said lamp; pliable metallic contacts retained within said insulating body having lower contacting portions having convex shaped contacting surfaces formed thereon, said convex shaped contacting surfaces adapted for protruding into said recessed portion of said insulating body for the purpose of providing electrical contact with said lamp terminal end and indented upper contact portions for providing electrical contact with said electrical leads; a backcover attached to said insulating body; and a resilient means affixed To the exterior of said backcover.
 8. A fluorescent lighting assembly having a fluorescent lamp comprising: an elongated tubular glass envelope with boxlike terminal ends, each of said terminal ends having at least two funnel-shaped electrical contact receiving areas located therein; a base member with end-oriented upstanding supports; and means for accommodating said fluorescent lamp, said means comprising: a first socket member rigidly affixed to a first of said end-oriented upstanding supports, said first socket member having an insulating body having a recessed portion formed therein for receiving one of said boxlike terminal ends of said lamp, a plurality of pliable metallic contacts retained within said insulating body, each of said contacts having lower contacting portions having convex shaped contacting surfaces formed thereon, said convex shaped contacting surfaces adapted for protruding into said recessed portion of said insulating body, and for mating with said funnel-shaped electrical contact receiving areas located within one of said terminal ends of said lamp, and a backcover attached to said insulating body; and a second socket member positioned on a second of said end-oriented upstanding supports in opposing relationship to said first socket member, said second socket member having an insulating body having a recessed portion formed therein and at least two elongated openings formed within the lower portion of said insulating body, each of said elongated openings adapted for moving over a compressive pin during insertion of said terminal end of said lamp into said recessed portion, each of said compressive pins affixed at one end to an end-oriented upstanding support located externally of said socket, thereby providing means whereby said insulating body may be tilted to provide ease of insertion and removal of said lamp, a plurality of pliable metallic contacts retained within said insulating body, each of said contacts having lower contacting portions having convex shaped contacting surfaces formed thereon, said convex shaped contacting surfaces adapted for protruding into said recessed portion of said insulating body and for mating with said funnel-shaped electrical contact receiving areas located within one of said terminal ends of said lamp, a backcover attached to said insulating body, and resilient means positioned between said backcover and said second end-oriented upstanding support of said base member.
 9. The fluorescent lighting assembly according to claim 8 in which said resilient means positioned between said backcover and said second end-oriented upstanding support of said base member comprises a heat resistant elastic material.
 10. The fluorescent lighting assembly according to claim 8 in which said resilient means positioned between said backcover and said second end-oriented upstanding support of said base member comprises at least one helical wound spring. 